PIABC Level 5 Certificate in Packaging Materials & Components
The PIABC Level 5 Certificate in Packaging Materials & Components (QN: 610/1597/0) is a nationally recognised packaging qualification which prepares learners for progression in the packaging industry to a position where they can assume responsibility for packaging in a company at any point in the supply chain.
It is suitable for those wanting to enhance their employment and progression opportunities in the packaging and related industries and there are two broad target groups:
- People currently employed in parts of the industry who want to broaden their knowledge and understanding and take on greater levels of responsibility. Due to the diverse nature of the packaging and related industries, it is difficult to define this target group in terms of precise job functions.
- People who are not currently employed in the industry, who may be following courses in associate subject areas such as packaging design, food science/technology, materials science/engineering, and logistics, will find that this programme broadens the scope of their studies.
The recommended minimum entry requirements for this programme are 1 GCE A level and 5 GCSEs at grade A – C, including one science subject, and the key skills of numeracy, communication and information technology, or the PIABC Level 3 Certificate in Packaging qualification. Alternatively, learners should be able to clearly demonstrate, for example through experience in the packaging industry, that they are likely to succeed in the programme of study.
The qualification is comprised of nine learning outcomes:
- Understand the properties and manufacture of glass packaging.
- Understand the properties and manufacture of metal packaging.
- Understand the properties and manufacture of fibre-based packaging.
- Understand the properties and manufacture of plastic packaging.
- Understand adhesives & adhesive properties.
- Understand the manufacture and use of labels.
- Understand the application and use of closure systems.
- Understand printing and decoration processes used in packaging.
- Understand how materials are combined to achieve required properties.
This qualification is assessed by two two-hour closed-book examinations.